This album project began as a voice and piano recital called Zweisamkeit (Two Togtherness) which was performed with German pianist Paul Cibis as part of Zeitgeist Irland 24, a season of Irish arts in Germany in 2024. I made the decision to subsequently record this programme with Paul in Berlin.
The resulting album – TOGETHERNESS – was published in 2025 on Navona Records. It features rarities of German lieder (by Carl Loewe) alongside more well known song settings by Schumann, Strauss and Schubert. Most importantly I had the privilege of championing new music by living Irish composers Anne-Marie O’Farrell and Criostóir Ó Loingsigh, including songs in the Irish language (even more rare!) alongside art songs by Thomas Moore, Ina Boyle and Benjamin Britten.
I have physical copies of the CD if you want to purchase one, inquiries at helenhancocksoprano@gmail.com
https://lnk.fuga.com/helenhancockpaulcibis_togetherness
Paul and I performed a tour of a new recital Under (the light of) that same moon in March 2025. This programme of Mozart, Schubert, Fauré, Strauss, Ina Boyle, Ó Loingsigh and Feuchtwanger was greatly appreciated by audiences in Galway city, Kylemore Abbey and St. Ann’s Dublin.
